1. Life Expectancy at Birth, Selected Countries, 2005-2010
Males
Females
Brazil 79 83
Canada 78
Colombia 70 76
France 77 84
Germany 82
Italy
Japan 86
Tunisia 72 1

2. Other Differences
Reflecting “The Epidemiological Transition” they are generally
Healthier than their forbearers
Less likely to die from infectious disease
More chronic disease - with increasing age, co-morbidities are the rule rather than the exception
Have greater access to health education and information
Have more options 2

3. Prevention is as. Important as Treatment Aging and Illness
Prevention is as Important as Treatment Aging and Illness are not Synonymous 3

4. Depression is very common in older people--and very treatable
Gerontology Research Centre and Program
Saturday, February-16-19
Depression is very common in older people--and very treatable 4 4

5. Seniors’ Falls are not “accidents” – They are preventable!
1 in 3 seniors in B.C. is likely to fall at least once a year (Scott, Peck and Kendall, 2004)
For Canadian seniors, falls are responsible for 84% of injury-related hospital admissions and 40% of admissions to nursing homes. (Health Canada, 2002).
Most effective interventions are intersectoral, and include
medication modification
hip protectors
exercise programs
environmental modification 5

6. “Active Ageing” is the Message for the 21st Century
Active ageing is the process of optimizing opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance quality of life as people age (WHO, 2002).
Applies to both individuals & populations 6

7. Participation: Marriage, friendships, and community ties increase life expectancy Adler & Towne, 1999
Maintaining family ties
Delivering Meals on Wheels

8. The WHO Active Ageing Policy Framework8

9. WHO Determinants of Active Ageing9

10. Gerontology Research Centre and Program
Saturday, February-16-19
The Physical Environment is fundamental to health, participation and security
The importance of accessibility cannot be overemphaseized. One of our studies examined the extent to which seniors used CMHC’s Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program to make structural repairs, add a ramp, etc. 10 10

11. Housing Best Practices for active ageing: the 6 “A’s”
Gerontology Research Centre and Program
Saturday, February-16-19
Housing Best Practices for active ageing: the 6 “A’s”
Accessible – and not just for wheelchair users! Affordable – almost half of unattached women in Canada live below the poverty level Appropriate – has age-friendly interior and exterior design Attractive –aesthetics as well as prosthetics are important Acceptable – location, location, location!! Alternatives – to the extent possible maximize choice
Accessibility involves more than just being wheelchair accessible. It refers to having design features that enable people with various disabilities to use the unit, building and grounds. Location is a key consideration in terms of enabling seniors to remain integrated in their community. Sites should be selected with the needs of the residents in mind as well as their visitors, many of whom will themselves be older persons.
Affordable recognizes the fact that although poverty rates have been going down over the last 20 years, many seniors are not wealthy. Low income is especially common amo0ng unattacted older women almost half of whom are at or below standard low-income cutoff points.
Appropriate refers to design that fits the resident’s capabilities. In the case of seniors it would include prosthetic design features which are intended to compensate for the user’s frailties (e.g. grab bares in the bathroom, non slip surface on floor and tub; front control stove)
Attractive underscores the need to consider aesthetics as well as prosthetics. Buildings and dwelling units that are
Safe and supportive to seniors do not have to look institutional.
Acceptable refers both to the idea of a seniors project being acceptable to the community in which it is located and the idea that seniors will see it as a place where they want to live.
The final A recognizes the need for housing choices. 11 11

12. Creating environments to promote active ageing
Primary Health Care Centres
Hospitals
Training for PHC workers
Support for formal and informal carers
Physical environment that supports independence and prevents deconditioning
Communities 12